How to send money to Kenya from the US with the best USD-KES rate
We compared 7 companies sending money from the United States to Kenya. WorldRemit is the best and cheapest, while TapTap Send is the fastest.
Sending $7,000 with WorldRemit gets your recipient 915,870.64 KES at 130.8572 KES per USD.
Best companies for USD/KES transfers
7 of 7 providers
Last updated on 10 November 2026i
This page updates weekly. We collect, store, and analyze USD/KES exchange rates from our comparisons.
Based on 7,000 USD transfer
Best companies for USD/KES transfers
All money transfer offers for USD/KES transfers, sorted by most KES received. The first two offers may be sponsored promotions. Some offers here pay us a commission.
Ways to receive money in Kenya with Key Currency when paying by bank transfer.
MethodFee & ratesRecipient gets
Bank depositMinutes - 3 days
Free1 USD = 129.6155 KES
KES 907,308.77You pay$7,000.00
Run a live search
Showing top United States to Kenya deals for 7,000 USD. Do a live search with your exact amount for today's best rates.
Run a live search
Showing companies that send from a business account. Run a business search to get live USD to KES rates.
Run a live search
These companies offer multi-currency accounts for spending KES. We suggest doing a live search based on how much USD you're planning to spend in Kenya.
Run a live search
These are managed services with real human support for large USD transfers. Click the link and update the transfer amount to get the best deal.
Mid-market rate: 1 USD = 129.9404 KESUpdates every 60 minutes.
Transfer details
How to send money from US to Kenya
Pick a company
If you're sending a one-off transfer, then WorldRemit is the best option.
WorldRemit was the cheapest on 24 of the 24 days it quoted $7,000 transfers to Kenya.
For recurring transfers, I'd suggest using an app like WorldRemit or a multi-currency account.
For large transfers, a broker like Key Currency is the best option.
If your recipient needs cash, MoneyGram is the cheapest.
How much you send will affect the best option for you right now.
Pay for it
You have 4 ways to pay for your transfer to Kenya, including debit card, bank transfer, credit card, and cash deposit.
Usually, using bank transfer to fund your transfer is the cheapest but slowest option (ACH and takes a few days).
You can use a debit card, Apple Pay and Google Pay for quicker deposit but it's a bit more expensive.
I suggest avoiding credit cards since these are most expensive and have cash advance fees (Amex is very rarely accepted in general).
Check and send
First time round you'll need to confirm who you are.
An SSN isn't required, an ITIN or a foreign passport works with most companies here.
Compare amounts
How much USD are you sending to Kenya?
How much USD you send to Kenya heavily affects the best ways and the cheapest options. Use the table below to check how the cheapest options change and how much more you'd get by comparing.
Our analysis shows WorldRemit was the cheapest in 100% of the transfers from $5,000 it quoted, and in 82% of all the transfers it quoted.
How much more the cheapest provider gets you than the average of all providers we compared at this amount.
Cheapest service
$500
-1.66%
$0.00
KES 66,065.00with debit card to bank deposit
+KES 3,681.33
$2,000
-0.70%
$0.99
KES 261,584.79with debit card to mobile money
+KES 7,060.56
$5,000
-0.70%
$0.99
KES 654,156.30with debit card to mobile money
+KES 10,073.09
$7,000This page
-0.70%
$0.99
KES 915,870.64with debit card to mobile money
+KES 12,640.00
$10,000
-0.70%
$0.99
KES 1,308,442.15with debit card to mobile money
+KES 18,057.94
$50,000
0.20%
$0.00
KES 6,483,989.98with bank transfer to bank deposit
+KES 40,995.17
$100,000
0.15%
$0.00
KES 12,972,476.25with bank transfer to bank deposit
+KES 178,739.86
$250,000
0.15%
$0.00
KES 32,436,355.13with bank transfer to bank deposit
+KES 215,110.92
Mid-market rate: 1 USD = 129.9404 KES
USD/KES Exchange Rate History
Is today a good time to send money from US to Kenya?
The cheapest way to send USD to KES can change every day, or stay with the same company all month.
We've compared the mid-market rate with the cheapest option each day (today it's WorldRemit), across 30 days of comparisons for 7,000 USD transfers to Kenya.
At the mid-market rateWith the cheapest optionWorldRemitKey CurrencyRegency FX
Nov 4Nov 5Nov 6Nov 7Nov 8Nov 9Nov 10
904,000
906,000
908,000
910,000
912,000
914,000
916,000
918,000
At the mid-market rateWith the cheapest optionWorldRemitKey CurrencyRegency FX
Oct 12Oct 22Oct 31Nov 10
890,000
895,000
900,000
905,000
910,000
915,000
920,000
At the mid-market rateWith the cheapest optionWorldRemitKey CurrencyRegency FX
Aug 13Sep 12Oct 11Nov 10
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.8099
–
KES 908,669.33
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.8558
$0.99
KES 915,860.70
+KES 7,191.37
Locked-in rate
Key Currency
129.4854
$0.00
KES 906,397.66
−KES 2,271.67
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.4594
$0.00
KES 906,215.93
−KES 2,453.40
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.7399
–
KES 908,179.40
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.8558
$0.99
KES 915,860.70
+KES 7,681.30
Locked-in rate
Key Currency
129.4156
$0.00
KES 905,908.95
−KES 2,270.45
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.3896
$0.00
KES 905,727.31
−KES 2,452.09
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.7103
–
KES 907,971.87
Locked-in rate
Key CurrencyCheapest
129.3860
$0.00
KES 905,701.94
−KES 2,269.93
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.3600
$0.00
KES 905,520.34
−KES 2,451.53
WorldRemitNo quote collected this day
–
–
–
–
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.8502
–
KES 908,951.27
Locked-in rate
Key CurrencyCheapest
129.5256
$0.00
KES 906,678.90
−KES 2,272.37
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.4996
$0.00
KES 906,497.11
−KES 2,454.16
WorldRemitNo quote collected this day
–
–
–
–
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.9902
–
KES 909,931.70
Locked-in rate
Key CurrencyCheapest
129.6653
$0.00
KES 907,656.87
−KES 2,274.83
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.6393
$0.00
KES 907,474.89
−KES 2,456.81
WorldRemitNo quote collected this day
–
–
–
–
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
130.0983
–
KES 910,688.07
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.9451
$0.99
KES 916,486.20
+KES 5,798.13
Locked-in rate
Key Currency
129.7731
$0.00
KES 908,411.35
−KES 2,276.72
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.7470
$0.00
KES 908,229.21
−KES 2,458.86
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
130.0983
–
KES 910,688.07
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.9451
$0.99
KES 916,486.20
+KES 5,798.13
Locked-in rate
Key Currency
129.7731
$0.00
KES 908,411.35
−KES 2,276.72
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.7470
$0.00
KES 908,229.21
−KES 2,458.86
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.8901
–
KES 909,230.60
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.9451
$0.99
KES 916,486.20
+KES 7,255.60
Locked-in rate
Key Currency
129.5654
$0.00
KES 906,957.52
−KES 2,273.07
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.5394
$0.00
KES 906,775.67
−KES 2,454.92
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
–
–
–
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.8543
$0.99
KES 915,850.76
–
Key CurrencyNo quote collected this day
–
–
–
–
Regency FXNo quote collected this day
–
–
–
–
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.9200
–
KES 909,440.22
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.8543
$0.99
KES 915,850.76
+KES 6,410.54
Locked-in rate
Key Currency
129.5952
$0.00
KES 907,166.62
−KES 2,273.60
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.5692
$0.00
KES 906,984.74
−KES 2,455.48
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.8899
–
KES 909,229.24
Locked-in rate
Key CurrencyCheapest
129.5652
$0.00
KES 906,956.16
−KES 2,273.08
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.5392
$0.00
KES 906,774.32
−KES 2,454.92
WorldRemitNo quote collected this day
–
–
–
–
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.8501
–
KES 908,950.60
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.8543
$0.99
KES 915,850.76
+KES 6,900.16
Locked-in rate
Key Currency
129.5255
$0.00
KES 906,678.23
−KES 2,272.37
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.4995
$0.00
KES 906,496.44
−KES 2,454.16
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.7541
–
KES 908,278.67
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.8947
$0.99
KES 916,133.24
+KES 7,854.57
Locked-in rate
Key Currency
129.4297
$0.00
KES 906,007.97
−KES 2,270.70
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.4038
$0.00
KES 905,826.31
−KES 2,452.35
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.7541
–
KES 908,278.67
Locked-in rate
Key CurrencyCheapest
129.4297
$0.00
KES 906,007.97
−KES 2,270.70
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.4038
$0.00
KES 905,826.31
−KES 2,452.35
WorldRemitNo quote collected this day
–
–
–
–
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.8100
–
KES 908,669.83
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.8947
$0.99
KES 916,133.24
+KES 7,463.41
Locked-in rate
Key Currency
129.4855
$0.00
KES 906,398.15
−KES 2,271.68
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.4595
$0.00
KES 906,216.42
−KES 2,453.41
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.8500
–
KES 908,949.71
Locked-in rate
Key CurrencyCheapest
129.5253
$0.00
KES 906,677.34
−KES 2,272.37
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.4994
$0.00
KES 906,495.55
−KES 2,454.16
WorldRemitNo quote collected this day
–
–
–
–
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.8798
–
KES 909,158.80
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.8154
$0.99
KES 915,578.43
+KES 6,419.63
Locked-in rate
Key Currency
129.5551
$0.00
KES 906,885.90
−KES 2,272.90
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.5292
$0.00
KES 906,704.07
−KES 2,454.73
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.9197
–
KES 909,438.05
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.9163
$0.99
KES 916,284.35
+KES 6,846.30
Locked-in rate
Key Currency
129.5949
$0.00
KES 907,164.45
−KES 2,273.60
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.5689
$0.00
KES 906,982.56
−KES 2,455.49
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
–
–
–
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.9465
$0.99
KES 916,496.14
–
Key CurrencyNo quote collected this day
–
–
–
–
Regency FXNo quote collected this day
–
–
–
–
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.7917
–
KES 908,541.87
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.9465
$0.99
KES 916,496.14
+KES 7,954.28
Locked-in rate
Key Currency
129.4672
$0.00
KES 906,270.51
−KES 2,271.35
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.4413
$0.00
KES 906,088.80
−KES 2,453.06
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.7917
–
KES 908,541.87
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.9465
$0.99
KES 916,496.14
+KES 7,954.28
Locked-in rate
Key Currency
129.4672
$0.00
KES 906,270.51
−KES 2,271.35
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.4413
$0.00
KES 906,088.80
−KES 2,453.06
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.8966
–
KES 909,276.32
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.9465
$0.99
KES 916,496.14
+KES 7,219.82
Locked-in rate
Key Currency
129.5719
$0.00
KES 907,003.13
−KES 2,273.19
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.5459
$0.00
KES 906,821.27
−KES 2,455.05
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.9406
–
KES 909,584.12
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.8457
$0.99
KES 915,790.22
+KES 6,206.10
Locked-in rate
Key Currency
129.6157
$0.00
KES 907,310.16
−KES 2,273.96
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.5897
$0.00
KES 907,128.24
−KES 2,455.88
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.9898
–
KES 909,928.70
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.9667
$0.99
KES 916,637.31
+KES 6,708.61
Locked-in rate
Key Currency
129.6648
$0.00
KES 907,653.88
−KES 2,274.82
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.6388
$0.00
KES 907,471.89
−KES 2,456.81
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.9401
–
KES 909,580.76
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.7995
$0.99
KES 915,466.73
+KES 5,885.97
Locked-in rate
Key Currency
129.6153
$0.00
KES 907,306.80
−KES 2,273.96
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.5893
$0.00
KES 907,124.89
−KES 2,455.87
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.9402
–
KES 909,581.39
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.8499
$0.99
KES 915,819.41
+KES 6,238.02
Locked-in rate
Key Currency
129.6153
$0.00
KES 907,307.44
−KES 2,273.95
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.5894
$0.00
KES 907,125.52
−KES 2,455.87
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.9504
–
KES 909,652.70
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.8499
$0.99
KES 915,819.41
+KES 6,166.71
Locked-in rate
Key Currency
129.6255
$0.00
KES 907,378.56
−KES 2,274.14
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.5995
$0.00
KES 907,196.63
−KES 2,456.07
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
130.2094
–
KES 911,465.86
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.8499
$0.99
KES 915,819.41
+KES 4,353.55
Locked-in rate
Key Currency
129.8839
$0.00
KES 909,187.19
−KES 2,278.67
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.8578
$0.00
KES 909,004.90
−KES 2,460.96
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.9599
–
KES 909,719.61
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.8499
$0.99
KES 915,819.41
+KES 6,099.80
Locked-in rate
Key Currency
129.6350
$0.00
KES 907,445.31
−KES 2,274.30
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.6091
$0.00
KES 907,263.37
−KES 2,456.24
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Mid-market rate
129.9404
–
KES 909,582.72
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitCheapest
130.8572
$0.99
KES 915,870.64
+KES 6,287.92
Locked-in rate
Key Currency
129.6155
$0.00
KES 907,308.77
−KES 2,273.95
Locked-in rate
Regency FX
129.5895
$0.00
KES 907,126.85
−KES 2,455.87
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
How much more or less the recipient gets against the mid-market rate.
Exchange rate
Fee
Recipient gets
Difference
Mid-market rate
129.9404
–
KES 909,582.72
WorldRemit
Key Currency
Regency FX
Sendwave
Each line shows what the recipient gets when you send $7,000, after fees, as quoted by each company. The mid-market line shows what $7,000 converts to at the real exchange rate, with no fees or markup. Rates are checked once a day. Sponsored placements never affect this data. There are no bank quotes for this period.
Understanding USD/KES exchange rate
The dashed line is what you'd get at the mid-market rate with no fees, and the blue line is the cheapest option that day.
When the blue line goes above the dashed one, you're getting more KES per USD than the mid-market rate can offer.
This could be due to money transfer offers, FX rate adjustments, or market competitiveness.
In the past month, a money transfer company beat the mid-market rate on 22 of the last 30 days.
Right now, WorldRemit pays 915,870.64 KES on 7,000 USD, which is 6,287.92 KES more than the mid-market amount, so it's a good deal (pretty much free money).
Today's payout isn't the best this month though, since the highest receive amount was 916,637.31 KES.
If you can wait and want to get the most out of your transfer, create a rate alert and we'll let you know when the rate improves.
If you need to send money now, it's a good time to send.
Cheapest over time
Picking the cheapest money transfer company
Just because a company is the cheapest today doesn't mean it's always the best option for sending money to Kenya.
We've tracked 240 comparisons to check how often today's top companies were the cheapest across 8 amounts over the past month.
Transfer amount
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitAppeared in 35 comparisons
Cheapest in 80% of them
Locked-in rate
Key CurrencyAppeared in 35 comparisons
Cheapest in 60% of them
Locked-in rate
Regency FXAppeared in 35 comparisons
Never the cheapest
Nov 4Nov 10
Cheapest that dayNot cheapestNo quoteNo data collected
Based on 56 comparisons across 8 amounts over the last 7 days.
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitAppeared in 115 comparisons
Cheapest in 82% of them
Locked-in rate
Key CurrencyAppeared in 148 comparisons
Cheapest in 70% of them
Locked-in rate
Regency FXAppeared in 148 comparisons
Never the cheapest
Oct 12Nov 10
Cheapest that dayNot cheapestNo quoteNo data collected
Based on 240 comparisons across 8 amounts over the last 30 days.
Locked-in rate
WorldRemitAppeared in 328 comparisons
Cheapest in 87% of them
Locked-in rate
Key CurrencyAppeared in 273 comparisons
Cheapest in 52% of them
Locked-in rate
Regency FXAppeared in 273 comparisons
Never the cheapest
Aug 13Nov 10
Cheapest that dayNot cheapestNo quoteNo data collected
Based on 545 comparisons across 8 amounts over the last 90 days.
Is the cheapest money transfer company always the best?
Different companies can come out cheapest depending on the day and the amount you send.
To keep things fair, we only count the comparisons each company appeared in, and only analyze companies that appeared in at least 50% of all comparisons (so occasional cheapest options don't skew it).
Today WorldRemit is the cheapest, but it only quotes some of the amounts we track, so it isn't included in these figures.
Key Currency (today's second cheapest) was the cheapest in 70% of its comparisons, so if you send money to Kenya regularly, it's worth comparing it with WorldRemit before each transfer.
Ways to send money from the US to Kenya
There are 7 companies available for sending money from the US to Kenya, across app, currency broker, online, in person, multi-currency account, and global business account, and more.
For regular transfers home
Money transfer apps
If you send a few hundred dollars home every payday, an app is usually the cheapest way and the least work.
WorldRemit charges $0.99 on a $7,000 transfer with -0.7% markup, saves your recipient's details for next time, and KES arrives in minutes - 2 days.
Over the past month, WorldRemit was the cheapest app on 100% of the days it appeared for $7,000 transfers.
Funding from a US bank account or debit card avoids the 1% federal tax that applies to cash-funded transfers.
Sending without a US bank account
Cash & in-person transfers
Paying in cash at an agent can work without a US bank account.
The ID accepted depends on the company and the amount, so check before visiting if you do not have an SSN.
Hand $7,000 to a MoneyGram agent in the US, and your recipient will get 903,425.60 KES in minutes - 24 hours.
Our data shows MoneyGram came out cheapest among in-person options on 100% of days in the past month.
However, transfers funded with cash or a money order carry a 1% federal tax since January 1, 2026. To avoid it, fund with a debit card or bank account instead (most agents take both).
For one-off transfers
Online transfers
For a one-off transfer, an online service funded from your checking account is usually the cheapest way to send money to Kenya.
Of all online companies listed here, MoneyGram gets you the most KES per USD.
On a $7,000 transfer, you will get 903,425.60 KES after a $0.99 fee and 0.68% markup.
In our comparisons over the past month, it was the cheapest online service on 27 of the 29 days it quoted.
But, bank funding (ACH) takes 1 to 3 business days to clear, while debit cards (and Google Pay/Apple Pay) are usually instant but cost a bit more.
For transfers over $10,000
Currency brokers
For large transfers to Kenya (e.g. a property purchase, tuition, or moving to Kenya), a broker like Key Currency charges no fee, gives you a dedicated account manager, and adds 0.25% markup on USD/KES that gets lower the more you send.
Our analysis shows Key Currency was the cheapest broker in 100% of the transfers from $5,000 it quoted.
It's also good to check Wise since you get a bulk discount on transfers over $25,000 (per month).
Business payments from the US
Global accounts
Global accounts are for US businesses paying people abroad.
Companies like Airwallex, WorldFirst, or Payoneer handle the recurring and batch payments, invoicing, tracking, and more.
Holding & spending currencies
Multi-currency accounts
A multi-currency account like Wise is the best for holding and receiving KES.
This is useful for traveling to Kenya, building up KES balance, or receiving payments in KES.
Wise converts $7,000 at -0.01% markup plus small fee and holds the KES until you spend it.
Over the past month, it came out cheapest among multi-currency accounts on 100% of days.
Ways to fund USD and receive KES in Kenya
With WorldRemit, paying by debit card and receiving through mobile money is the cheapest combination. Sending $7,000 gives your recipient 915,870.64 KES.
Deposit USD by debit card, bank transfer, credit card, and cash deposit.
The simplest way is to pay from your US checking account
Pay by bank transfer using your routing and account numbers.
An ACH payment is usually cheaper than a card, but it may take some time for it to clear before a money transfer company can send the money to Kenya.
You can deposit cash
You'll need to visit the nearest MoneyGram branch and hand over $7,000.
MoneyGram is the cheapest option and will get you 903,425.60 KES on a $7,000 transfer after fees.
Transfers funded with physical cash are subject to the 1% US remittance transfer tax, but funding from a US bank account or with a US-issued debit or credit card is exempt.
Zelle and Cash App only send money within the US, so neither can send money to Kenya.
Your recipient in Kenya can collect KES through bank deposit, mobile money, card deposit, mobile wallet, and cash pickup.
They can collect cash in Kenya
Your recipient can collect KES from a participating MoneyGram location in Kenya.
They should take a valid photo ID and the collection reference, and check that the name on the transfer matches their ID.
1
Debit card→Mobile money
You pay $7,000.00
KSh915,871
Cheapest
2
Bank transfer→Bank deposit
You pay $7,000.00
KSh907,309
-KSh8,562
3
Debit card→Mobile wallet
You pay $7,000.99
KSh903,426
-KSh12,445
4
Bank transfer→Mobile wallet
You pay $7,105.00
KSh903,426
-KSh12,445
5
Credit card→Mobile wallet
You pay $7,210.00
KSh903,426
-KSh12,445
Show moreShow less
6
Debit card→Bank deposit
You pay $7,000.00
KSh902,310
-KSh13,561
7
Debit card→Card deposit
You pay $7,000.00
KSh899,514
-KSh16,357
8
Credit card→Bank deposit
You pay $7,177.99
KSh895,830
-KSh20,041
9
Bank transfer→Card deposit
You pay $7,074.99
KSh895,790
-KSh20,081
10
Debit card→Cash pickup
You pay $7,075.99
KSh894,709
-KSh21,161
11
Bank transfer→Cash pickup
You pay $7,105.00
KSh894,709
-KSh21,161
12
Credit card→Cash pickup
You pay $7,179.99
KSh894,709
-KSh21,161
13
Cash deposit→Cash pickup
You pay $7,060.79
KSh885,840
-KSh30,030
Things to consider before sending USD to Kenya
The way you fund the transfer now affects the tax, while US law gives you specific rights if something goes wrong.
1
Find the right USD/KES company
Cheapest way to send money to Kenya
The cheapest option is WorldRemit, funded by debit card with mobile money for the payout. Your recipient gets 915,870.64 KES, which is 0.93% more than the next best option.
Fastest way to send money to Kenya
The fastest option is TapTap Send. Pay by debit card and choose mobile money for the payout. Your recipient gets 903,420 KES, with the money arriving in minutes.
2
Cash-funded transfers now carry a 1% tax
Since January 1, 2026, a 1% federal tax applies when an international transfer is funded with cash, a money order, a cashier's check or a traveler's check.
Funding from a US bank account, including ACH, or with a US-issued debit or credit card is exempt.
The rule applies to how you pay in, so your recipient can still collect cash without triggering the tax.
3
The $10,000 rule is not a transfer limit
There is no federal cap on how much of your own money you can send electronically abroad.
Your bank or transfer company can set its own limit and ask for proof of where a large or unusual payment came from.
Cash reports and the declaration for physically carrying more than $10,000 across the US border are separate rules.
Do not split cash transactions to avoid a report.
4
You normally have 30 minutes to cancel
The US Remittance Transfer Rule requires a covered company to show the exchange rate, fees and expected amount received before you pay.
You can normally cancel within 30 minutes at no charge, provided the money has not been deposited or collected.
You also have error-resolution rights if the wrong amount arrives or the transfer never turns up.
For transfers over $10,000, Key Currency is the best option.
It offers the best exchange rate, which is more important than the fee for large transfers to Kenya.
While Key Currency may not always be the cheapest or fastest way to send KES, they offer years of experience, and will offer you the peace of mind you need when sending large amounts abroad.
How we analyze the market
We track, save, and analyze the cost, speed, and product offerings of the leading money transfer services available between Kenya and the United States.
We work with leading money transfer companies to provide real time fees and exchange rates. In the past 30 days alone, we analyzed 240 comparisons across 8 amounts.
This page covers the cheapest and fastest options for USD/KES transfers. This is how we pick them:
Cheapest: the company that gets your recipient the most, after fees and the exchange rate. On a tie, live pricing from the company takes priority over the rates we collect by hand.
Fastest: the company with the shortest estimated delivery time once you’ve paid. On a tie, the one that pays out more takes priority.
For a deeper understanding of our commitment to integrity and transparency, check out these articles:
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